Description: Wingspan 34-42mm. The adults markings and colouring are variable in extent and intensity. In some individuals the markings may be absent. Females are generally paler than males but otherwise similar in appearance. of colour and markings on wings. The forewings are buff yellow with small black markings, which vary in number and intensity of dotting. Head and thorax buff and rather hairy. Hindwings pale buff with discal spot. Abdomen yellow with black dorsal bars. From mid-May until the end of July, occasionally a little later in some years.

World Distribution: Across the Palaearctic region.

Irish Distribution: Common and widely distributed across all counties and on Rathlin Island.

Ecology: A frequently recorded species from a wide range of habitats including gardens. Adults are attracted to light and appear frequently in moderate numbers in traps. The larvae feed during August and September on a variety of herbaceous and woody plants. It overwinters as a pupa.

Key Identification Features:

• Buff-coloured forewings
• Large hairy thorax
• Yellow abdomen

Distribution Map from NBN: Spilosoma luteum at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Spilosoma luteum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.